Application of molecularly imprinted polymers in sensors for the environment and biotechnology

Abstract

Molecular imprinting is a generic technology, which introduces recognition properties into synthetic polymers using appropriate templates. Over the last two decades molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) have become a focus of interest for scientists engaged in the development of biological and chemical sensors. This is due to the many and considerable advantages they possess in comparison to natural receptors, enzymes and antibodies such as superior stability, low cost and ease of preparation. This brief review covers recent achievements and potential applications of imprinted sensors with specific reference to the environment and biotechnology.